Healani Brennan
Staff Writer

Classes to better the skills of oneself are offered in an abundance outside of school.

What is offered at local libraries benefits a variety of groups, from kids and teens to adults looking for jobs. Students going to school that have kids can bring them to the library where they can learn to read, have story time with staff, or join a book club.

Taking advantage of the opportunity to not only better the self but better your children is something anyone should not pass up. Especially if parents want kids to have a leg up in school with their reading and learning skills, taking them along to the library really helps.

Crafts and guest speakers aid in keeping kids entertained and also help them explore their creative side. An example of this is the Fetch! Club which teaches kids about engineering and science and is led by Ruff Ruffman from a PBS show.

Teens can find book clubs available and contests to enter in. Writing contests improve skills as well as other contests like designing new library cards. Other resources like free music downloads or the links page educates teens about colleges and careers are available.

The technologically challenged can find computer classes at any Pierce County Library at one of their many locations. The classes vary, teaching anything from the basics of using a computer to navigating the net.

Many Pierce County libraries are in the area, including one on Steilacoom Blv. a couple minutes from the school. To check out events and times go to the Pierce County Library website www.piercecountylibrary.org.